A full cycle of the moon had passed, with us arguing every time we had the chance. All because of Kaia of the Silvercrest pack.
Having dispatched a message to my pack elder about initiating the mate bond revocation, I sought the comfort of my den early. It wasn't cold, but I drew my bedding tightly around my shoulders.
For the first time in many moons, the crushing weight upon my spirit seemed to lighten. It was as if the oppressive burden I'd carried had finally begun to dissolve.
Close to midnight, a loud voice from the mind-link jolted me awake. I blinked as I massaged my temple. It was Raiden.
"Don't be so dramatic, Freya. Let's talk this through."
His arrogance made my blood heat. The fact that he couldn't scent the ruin he'd caused, that he believed this could be mended with a few hollow words, was ridiculous.
I ignored the voice and turned my back on it. Alas, sleep refused to return.
Every time I closed my eyes, memories of Kaia's smug smile and Raiden's dismissive tone replayed in my mind like a haunting loop.
By dawn, I dragged myself from the bed. I determined to reclaim my life, even if I didn't know where to begin.
As I sipped my morning Moonbrew and observed the situation outside through the crystal communicator, I saw a vision of Kaia.
Against my inner wolf's warning, I took a look a little closer. I was right.
The crystal displayed Raiden and Kaia, their arms linked, standing before a sleek, obsidian carriage. She said, "When the moon finally sends you the mate you deserve, everything aligns."
A sharp laugh escaped me. I had to admit that her audacity was unmatched. They weren't even trying to hide anymore.
At the Alpha Hall, Raiden was already in the council chamber when I arrived. He looked perfectly composed, as always.
None of the pack knew about our mate bond. Raiden insisted it remain hidden, claiming it was for the good of the pack, though I suspected he simply wanted to maintain his image as an untouchable Alpha.
"Freya," he called as I walked past the doors.
I paused, keeping my face straight. "Yes?"
"Enter the chamber a moment," he said, gesturing to the seat opposing his.
Reluctantly, I stepped inside. A coil of dread tightened in my stomach.
The scent of Kaia lingered in the room, even though she was not present.
Once the door closed behind us, Raiden leaned back, studying me like I was a troublesome subordinate rather than his mate.
"About last night," he began. He softened his tone, maybe thinking kindness would make me forget everything.
"I'm not interested in discussing it," I cut him off.
He frowned, clearly unused to being denied. "Freya, I feel your anger, but we've survived bigger storms. Don't make impulsive decisions."
I crossed my arms. "Impulsive? You've been pushing me out of our life for months, Raiden. I'm just finally reacting."
His jaw clenched. For a fleeting instant, his Alpha composure cracked, revealing raw frustration. "You speak unjustly. You understand the demands of my high Alpha duties. I have been striving to provide for our pack, for the future we have sworn to build."
"Our future?" I could not prevent my voice from rising. "You mean the one where you play house with Kaia while I linger in the shadows, waiting for scraps of your attention?"
Not long after, Raiden's crystal communicator vibrated on the polished table between us. His eyes flickered down to the surface.
I tracked his gaze. I could see Kaia's signature mark pulsing brightly at that moment.
He hesitated, but the pull of his other mate was too strong. Snatching the crystal, he moved towards the window.
He lowered his voice, yet I clearly heard the murmur of his words. "Kaia, I am currently busy. I'll talk to you later."
The open, unapologetic dismissal wounded me more deeply than I cared to admit.
As he concluded the short call, I seized the scroll I had carried in and rose to my feet. "This is useless," I muttered, heading for the door.
"Freya, wait."
I turned back, my hand resting on the smooth door handle. "For what purpose? To hear a new justification? Another deception?"
Raiden stared at me. His usual self-assurance began to crumble. His mouth opened, yet no sound emerged.
Then, I walked out without looking back.
Back at my own station, I tried to focus on my duties. Unfortunately, my thoughts kept wandering. Memories of our first runs together flooded my mind, how he used to leave secret tokens of affection tucked into my satchel. How he'd hold my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
However, that former version of Raiden felt like a ghost now.
By midday, the atmosphere in the hall felt suffocating. I told my aide I was stepping out, then wandered into the forest clearing near the borders.
Sitting on a moss-covered bench, watching golden leaves flutter around me, my crystal communicator hummed again.
This time, the message was from my pack elder. The rune glowed through the surface.
"The severance is prepared. Send word when you are ready to set the seal."
My fingers trembled as I read the message. It felt like crossing a bridge and letting it burn behind me, but maybe that was exactly what I needed.
Drawing a steadying breath, I sent my reply. "Set the seal."
